Mr. Len Uhal, Divine Word Missionaries

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Mr. Len Uhal, Divine Word Missionaries

I am NRVC

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What roles do you play in your ministry, and how have you been involved in NRVC?

I'm the national vocation director for the Divine Word Missionaries. In addition I'm the current co-coordinator for the Heartland member area. I've also participated in one of the past symposiums sponsored by NRVC, the Moving Forward in Hope Project, and I have written for HORIZON. I have taken part in five convocations and numerous NRVC workshops.

How long have you been involved in vocation ministry?

I started full time in 2003, so I'm into my 14th year.

What do you enjoy most about this ministry?

The most enjoyable and most humbling part of vocation ministry is walking with an individual in his discernment. The phone calls, emails, text messages, visits to their home, hosting men at our formation houses and mission sites, listening to their personal stories, their joys and struggles, their spiritual journey and sharing my story with them and the passion I feel for the S.V.D. charism and mission … those are all the most enjoyable parts of vocation ministry!

Has being a member of NRVC been helpful to you?

My NRVC membership has been incredibly helpful, primarily by facilitating opportunities for professional development, but, more importantly, enabling me to develop relationships with colleagues in this ministry for effective collaboration, networking, support, and friendship.

What has been your best vocation effort?

Our best “vocation effort” does not belong to one program or technique, but rather a collection of many different efforts that have changed over time and an attitude that we must be proactive in vocation ministry and not sit back and wait for the phone to ring. “Shaking the bushes” or “knocking on doors” and attempting to contact every referral has proven helpful. Animating our members, establishing referral sources, attending events, and having a social media presence are all important, but having a vocation team that works together for a common goal is incredibly important.